1 Samuel 9

Here we read that Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin. Stop and re-read Judges 20:47...only 600 men survived the battle, almost an entire tribe obliterated, so many genealogies ended, yet not Saul's, providence! When you read verse 21 of 1 Samuel 9, we understand why he said this of his tribe, it truly was the least, because of its history of treachery that had almost resulted in its abolition.

There is something else to be gleaned in this chapter. Listen to the description of Saul: "He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man. There was no one more impressive among the Israelites than he. He stood a head taller than anyone else." This gives us insight into why Samuel had so much reluctance when following God's lead in choosing a successor to Saul among Jesse's sons. He was looking for another "Saul" in physical stature.

We must remember that while God's timeless truths do not change, His methodology often does. Not understanding the difference between doctrine and methodology will lead to either legalism or permissiveness.

Pastor Fred